Small Items. Big Impact.

Last week, families gathered at our Summer Sunshine Kits service project to assemble bags filled with practical items for individuals experiencing homelessness. Before we packed a single bag, we talked about why the items were intentionally small and lightweight.

Many people experiencing homelessness carry everything they own with them. Every ounce matters. A larger bottle or bulky item may seem more helpful, but it can quickly become another burden to carry. That's why each Sunshine Kit was thoughtfully packed with lightweight essentials that provide comfort, dignity, and encouragement.

A fun little story! This morning, my son and I were able to see the impact of our service project when we gave one of the Summer Sunshine Kits to a person in need at the exit ramp of 435 and Metcalf. We had tried to find him last Friday, but he wasn't there.

As we drove down the ramp, I rolled down the window to let him know we had something for him. When he realized it, he dropped his sign and quickly walked toward our car. We've seen him standing there for several weeks during our commute. We had always assumed he was a teenager, but as he got closer, we realized he was much older.

We handed him the Sunshine Kit filled with items to help him through the summer heat. He quietly said, "God bless you." When our eyes met, I could see the pain he was carrying.

By the time the light turned green and we drove past him, he had already finished the warm bottle of water.

My son looked at me and said, "Tomorrow, let's bring him more water...and let's put it in a cooler so it tastes better."

I smiled and said, "Okay. Let's do it."

That simple conversation reminded me that kindness doesn't stop when the event ends. It grows. It changes us. It inspires us to notice people we might have otherwise driven past.

The bottle of water didn't solve his situation. But in that moment, it met a need. And perhaps even more importantly, it reminded him that someone cared enough to stop.

We have received many messages about our kits and what we included so here you go! They are so easy to make as family!

What Was Inside Our Sunshine Kits?

Each kit was carefully packed with lightweight essentials that someone could easily carry:

💧 Bottled water

🧊 Cooling towel

🥜 Protein snacks

🧻 Body wipes

🪒 Shaving kit

🪥 Toothbrush

🦷 Toothpaste

🫧 Travel-size mouthwash

🧴 Shampoo & conditioner

☀️ Sunscreen

💛 A handwritten note of encouragement

Thank you to every family, volunteer, Student Ambassador, and donor who helped make these Sunshine Kits possible. Because of your generosity, hundreds of small bags are now reaching people in our community with practical supplies—and a reminder that they are seen, valued, and not forgotten. All of the bags were donated to Bishop Sullivan Center unless someone at the event took one to personally deliver like we did.

Sometimes the smallest acts of kindness leave the biggest impact. 💛

Be kind!